Maharashtra Government issues new social media rules for its employees
Maharashtra Government issues new social media rules for its employees
The General Administration Department of the State Government has issued new social media guidelines for their employees.
According to the circular, the move aims to address several problems, including the dissemination of confidential government information, spreading misinformation through social media and expressing reactions on social media in violation of government rules. The guidelines includes disciplinary action against employees for their failure to abide by the government guidelines.
In its statement dated July 28, the department said that the escalating prevalence and convenience of social media sites and instant messaging, like Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Telegram, have created the “dangers” of dissemination of confidential information and spreading of misleading information.
As per the new guidelines the employees should not criticise the policies or actions of the state government, and of any other government in India
The Maharashtra government employees have been urged to “use social media consciously and responsibly.
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They have been asked to keep their personal and work social media accounts separate.
Officers and employees might post on social media about successful efforts regarding any schemes or initiatives; however, the posts should not be done for self-praise but rather to highlight the schemes.
The government has also asked employees to focus on the initiatives rather than blindly praise them.
The new rules have banned the employees from showing government logos, uniforms, official vehicles, or other buildings in photos except for in profile photos of one’s account.
Employees can also use messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram to coordinate and contact with others for ‘intra-office work.’
The official social media accounts of the government will be operated only by authorised persons, the state admin said in its notification.
The new guidelines is applicable to officers and employees of the Maharashtra government, including anyone on a contractual basis or by delegation; employees in local bodies, boards, corporations, and public undertakings.
News Edit KV Raman
